Social History

 SOCIAL HISTORY

 

Patients should be asked about behaviors and lifestyle is-sues that may potentially affect their health and increase their risk. The outcome of this discussion provides a meaning-ful basis for counseling and interventions. All patients shouldbe asked about the following issues:

 

·  Tobacco use

 

·  Alcohol use: amount and type

 

·  Use of illegal drugs and misuse of prescription drugs

 

·  Intimate-partner violence

 

·  Sexual abuse

 

·  Health hazards at work and at home; seatbelt use

 

·  Nutrition, diet, and exercise, including folic acid and calcium intake

 

·  Caffeine intake

 

Questions can also be asked about whether the patient has an advance directive and whether she is interested in organ donation.